Recruiting to Retain

A Principle-Centered Strategy to Win the War for Talent

Published by Forbes Books
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

About The Book

In an industry plagued by short careers and constant churn, Recruiting to Retain offers a better way.

John Wright II, managing partner of one of the most successful advisor firms in the country, reveals how a mutual selection process and personal mentoring lead to career retention—not just job placement. Drawing on two decades of leadership, this book outlines a replicable model for financial advisor recruiting, built on principle-based leadership and hands-on engagement.

Wright doesn’t sugarcoat the process. It’s time-consuming. It requires real investment. But it works. His selection process has produced the largest organically grown firm in his network, with career retention rates far above the industry average. From how to screen candidates to how to build advisor teams that thrive, Recruiting to Retain is a rare mix of candid memoir and practical handbook.

Readers will gain tools for:
  • High retention attraction
  • Mentoring financial advisors
  • Creating a culture that values persistence and purpose

Wright’s process favors long-term success over quick wins—and demands that firm leaders reclaim responsibility for recruitment. If you’re tired of seeing good candidates fail, or watching your top talent leave, this book will show you what it takes to build something better.

About The Author

JOHN WRIGHT II is a veteran leader in financial services and the managing partner of Goodwin, Wright, a top-performing Northwestern Mutual firm known for advisor retention and organic growth. Since stepping into leadership in 2002, Wright has built a culture focused on mentorship, rigorous selection, and career-long development. Named one of Atlanta’s Most Admired CEOs, he also served as chairman of Northwestern Mutual’s Managing Partners Association. Drawing on his background as a student-athlete, coach, and recruiter, Wright speaks nationally on leadership, values-based hiring, and building sustainable firms. His work reflects a lifelong commitment to developing people, not just professionals.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Forbes Books (February 24, 2026)
  • Length: 168 pages
  • ISBN13: 9798887502120

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Raves and Reviews

"A personable and practical guidebook to recruiting top talent.”—Kirkus Reviews

Recruiting to Retain… makes a persuasive case that keeping top talent should be a key business objective.”—BookLife by Publishers Weekly

Recruiting to Retain is a revealing leadership guide to finding the right people, keeping top talent around, and attaining long-term success.”Foreword Clarion Reviews

Recruiting to Retain… offers solutions to every challenge associated with recruitment and its impact on a business.”Readers’ Favorite

“A clear, experience-rich playbook… about hiring fewer people and keeping them longer.”—IndieReader

Recruiting to Retain by John William Wright II presents a counterintuitive and utterly refreshing methodology for talent acquisition in the financial services industry.”—The Book Commentary

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